ENTFACT-648

THE LONE STAR TICK IN KENTUCKY

by Lee Townsend, Extension Entomologist
University of Kentucky College of Agriculture

The
lone star tick is an important pest of humans, pets, and wildlife in western
and southern Kentucky and is becoming more common in central and eastern
counties of the state. The species gets its name from a distinct white spot
on the back of the adult female.

Each of the three active stages of this tick (larva, nymph, and adult)
requires a blood meal and each will feed on humans. Lone star ticks are
most active in Kentucky from April through September. Females lay several
hundred eggs in a mass. Severe infestations occur when someone moves through
or lingers in an area containing many recently hatched freckle-sized larvae
(seed ticks) that are waiting for a meal. The larger nymphs and adults are
more widely dispersed as they are carried around and drop off animals after
feeding. Tick bites itch intensely and the irritation can last for about
10 days. Also, the bite site may become infected if it is scratched frequently
and contaminated.

LONE STAR TICKS AND DISEASE

The lone star tick is not known to carry Lyme disease but its associations with Southern Tick Associated Rash Illness (STARI)
and human ehrlichiosis are being studied. As a precaution, report any flu-like symptoms that occur within 2 weeks of a bite or
known exposure to any tick to your physician. Ticks can be preserved for identification in a small jar containing rubbing alcohol.
There are no agencies in Kentucky that test ticks for diseases.

Lyme Disease

The lone star tick and the American dog tick are the most common species found on humans in Kentucky; neither is known to
transmit Lyme disease. The blacklegged tick, vector of Lyme disease in the US, is not known to be established in Kentucky.

Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness (STARI)

A rash similar to that seen with Lyme disease has been seen in some people
bitten by lone star ticks. The red rash is an expanding "bulls eye" that
develops around the site of some, but not all, bites. It usually appears
within 7 days and can expand to a diameter of about 3 inches. There also
may be fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, and a feeling of "being tired".
The cause of STARI is not known but it responds to treatment with oral antibiotics.
Physicians seeing patients with a recent lone star tick bite and an expanding
rash that reaches a diameter of at least two inches are encouraged to call
the Centers for Disease Control at (970) 221-6400 for more information on
STARI.

Lone Star Tick Sampling Results

Human Ehrlichiosis (err-lick-ee-oh-sis)

The disease occurs primarily in the southeastern and south central regions
of the US and is primarily transmitted by the lone star tick. Initial symptoms,
which appear about 5 to 10 days after being bitten by an infective tick,
generally include fever, headache, and/or muscle aches. Other signs and
symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cough, joint pains, confusion,
and occasionally a rash. Many infected persons may develop an illness that
is so mild that they have no symptoms or do not seek medical attention.
According to information from the Kentucky Department of Public Health,
six or fewer cases have been reported from the state since 1991.

Personal Protection

Tick numbers tend to be high in around clearings and along so be especially
careful in these areas. Here are some tips to protect you from ticks:

Inspect your clothing and body regularly and remove ticks, especially at the end of the day. Ticks wander on the body for some time before settling to feed. Often, they can be found before they become attached.

Take a warm soapy shower after potential tick exposure

Wash clothing in hot water and detergent - store in sealed bag until it is washed

Removing Ticks

Barbed mouthparts and cement secreted as they feed cause ticks to be anchored
firmly to the skin. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close
to the skin surface as possible. Then, pull upward with steady, even pressure.
The longer the tick has been in place, the harder it is to remove. Twisting
or “unscrewing” the tick may cause the mouthparts to break off
and remain in the skin. After removing the tick, thoroughly disinfect the
bite site and wash your hands with soap and water.

TICK MANAGEMENT

Landscape Modifications - Long Term Reduction

Lone star ticks prefer overgrown areas, such as woodlot margins or trail
edges, where cover protects them from direct sunlight and hot, dry air.
These places also provide food and shelter for small and large mammals that
ticks use for blood meals.

Wild mammals are the main way that the ticks survive and are moved around
in an area. White-tailed deer, raccoons, and striped skunks are important
hosts. Eastern cottontail rabbits and Virginia opossums generally have fewer
ticks but are more abundant in an area. These animals can carry ticks into
yards and back into areas that have been mowed or treated with an insecticide.
Use fencing to restrict animal movement in problem areas, if practical.

Making areas unsuitable for ticks is a sustainable means of managing them.
Keep lawns where ticks have been a problem mowed (3” or less). This
will lower humidity and raise soil temperatures making conditions unfavorable.
It also discourages cover for mice and other small animals that can be hosts
for ticks. This is a long term approach but can reduce tick numbers by about
75%.

Do not attract wildlife or wandering animals that may be carrying ticks.
Keep garbage in tightly closed cans and do not leave pet food outdoors for
long periods of time.

Locate play areas for children as far away as possible from the edge of
woods or overgrown areas to reduce potential contact with ticks.

Insecticides

Insecticides provide a short-term means of reducing tick numbers until
habitat modifications can be made; they are not the answer to long term
control. Sprays should be applied to shady areas or borders along woods,
especially where small animals could live. In general, there is no need
to spray open sunny, mowed areas of turf. Below are examples of some lawn
and garden insecticides that are labeled for tick control in lawns. Follow
the label direction for mixing and applying the diluted spray.

Ticks Indoors

Ticks found indoors on floors, furniture, or beds usually have been carried
in accidentally on people or pets. Vacuum areas where ticks have been found
and seal the bag in a plastic trash bag and dispose of it. Fortunately,
it is too dry for lone star ticks to survive long in buildings.

Wash bedding or clothing in hot soapy water to kill ticks that may be present.

Check clothing for ticks when you come inside. Place removed clothing in
a sealed plastic bag to hold until it is washed.

Ticks on Pets

Outdoor pets that roam freely can easily and repeatedly pick up ticks and
carry them into the yard or home. Management of ticks on pets is an important
part of dealing with chronic or severe tick problems.

Check with your veterinarian for advice on preventive tick control products

Groom animals carefully and check for ticks before allowing them indoors

Keep pets off furniture where attached ticks can drop off

Check pet sleeping areas routinely for ticks

More on Ticks

Ticks cannot jump or fly. They climb up on vegetation and wait with their
front legs extended to grab on to a passing host.

Ticks found in mowed lawns or in homes have usually have been brought there
by pets, people or animals.

The life cycle of the lone star tick takes more than a year.

Folk remedies such as use of petroleum jelly or hot matches do not cause
ticks to "let go".

Lone star ticks have other names, including turkey mites and deer ticks.

CAUTION! Pesticide recommendations in this publication are registered for use in Kentucky, USA ONLY! The use of some products may not be legal in your state or country. Please check with your local county agent or regulatory official before using any pesticide mentioned in this publication.

Of course, ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS FOR SAFE USE OF ANY PESTICIDE!